Lee-David de Haas – For the Love

Film's Not Dead

November 30, 2017

We’re pleased to introduce the 8th winner from the ‘For the Love’ competition with Kodak Alaris, Lee-David de Haas! After another month of amazing entries, we had to give it to Lee-David de Haas for his beautifully lit and composed photo!

Lee spoke to us about why he shoots film, he’s love for documenting life in Johannesburg, South Africa and why Fan Ho is one of his favourite photographers!

To start off would you be able to explain how you got into photography and a little bit about yourself?

Lee-David de Haas

I discovered photography by chance looking at photographs and becoming mesmerised by the art form and what people were capturing with such a powerful tool. I Live in Johannesburg, South Africa and with being part of such a diverse country I love documenting unusual moments that you don’t normally find in everyday life.

The composition on your winning photo is fantastic! How did this photograph come about, were you waiting for it or did you just see it?

Lee-David de Haas

I find it awesome to venture out into the unknown, to get in the car and drive somewhere in any direction, for me it gives me the best results, thats when I find unusual and unique scenes that stick out for me. With this scene I started off shooting something different and even though I frame a lot of my subjects just by looking around and exploring, I discovered changing my vantage point led me to capturing this particular frame.

Who would you say your biggest influences are?

Lee-David de Haas

My biggest influences are without a doubt has to be starting with Fan Ho his use of light, contrast, geometry and scenes which made him such a legend. I love HCB for capturing that decisive moment for which he was such a master of. Vivian Maier for the emotion she showed in her portraits. Garry Winogrand for the eye he had working the streets and Elliott Erwitt for the comical side that makes you laugh when looking at his work.

There’s so many different genres in photography what made you go down the path of street/ documentary style?

Lee-David de Haas

I love exploring different parts of where I live, the culture and getting involved in other peoples lives can be quite rewarding. The streets and my surroundings fascinate me as theres so much going on, so by getting out there and documenting life, it can really lead to some beautiful pictures.

What do you love most about the medium?

Lee-David de Haas

What I love about film is the hands on relationship you have when going about taking photos. I find the look of the images, the process, the time involved it’s like an amazing chemistry that just works from start to finish.

How would you define what you do and how do you want people to feel when they look at your work?

Lee-David de Haas

I think as the viewer you look at a picture and the image takes you on some kind of journey, whether it’s emotional or comical but you feel part of the image. If I can do that with my work and have that kind of reaction from my audience then I know I’ve captured something truly special.

Out of all the films which one would you say is your favourite film and why?

Lee-David de Haas

I shoot mostly black and white just because of how light and contrasts play such a big roll. My favourite go to films generally depend on what I’m shooting as Tri-x is such a great all round film that has really amazing tonal values, but if I want something a little more contrast with less grain then I generally load up T-Max 100 with my winning image was shot on Kodak Tmax 100.

We understand your based in South Africa, which must be amazing for shooting but we’ve heard that coming across darkrooms/ labs there is pretty hard, which darkroom do you use or do you develop yourself?

Lee-David de Haas

Our film community isn’t as big as other parts of the world but we have some truly amazing film photographers out here. In Johannesburg we have a place dedicated to B&W film where I do all my processing and enlarging, called Alternative Print Workshop run by Dennis Da Silva and Janus Boshoff. These guys are truly awesome as not only do they give so much time and energy into film photography but their also dedicated to growing such a special medium. Please check them out at www.alternativeprintworkshop.co.za

If you could give one piece of advice to future photographers what would that be?

Lee-David de Haas

If I could give any advice to future photographers I’d have to say photography is about what you put into the medium as it requires such dedication and passion but also just a love for taking pictures. The further you go with your photography the better the results but most of all don’t be scared to try new things and test yourself because learning can be a beautiful thing.

Why do you decide to use film over digital and what do you think of the direction in which photography is going?

Lee-David de Haas

I use film for all my personal work as it’s a medium I love to work with and it has particular quality that I look for in my images. We live in such a digital era where everyone is constantly looking at screens and being consumed by zeros and ones that images become quantity rather than quality. This is why I feel film photography has such a strong place in the market today as it's photographers taking their time, slowing down and absorbing what’s around them.

We’re really enjoying looking through your Instagram feed, there’s so many interesting compositions and use of light. Do you have any plans for your future work?

Lee-David de Haas

I’m constantly trying to evolve as a photographer so I think for now getting out and taking photos is probably the most important. I have a few projects that I am working on that Id like to get finished by next year with some bits of traveling in-between. My first photo book is definitely on the cards with a possible exhibition in 2018.

Thank you so much! Is there anything else you’d like to say to the readers of Film’s not Dead?

Lee-David de Haas

Thank you for the taking the time to read this and I hope my work inspires you into going out and taking photographs that will inspire the next generation that follows. Once again many thanks to Film’s not Dead and Kodak Alaris for such an amazing competition ‘ For The Love ‘ ‘In Street Photography the best moments come from the corner of your eye, its an art that requires patience, staying focused and most of all anticipate the unexpected.’ Lee-David de Haas